barely function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is operating at a minimal level of effectiveness or efficiency. Example: "After the power outage, the old generator could barely function, providing just enough electricity for the essentials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But to be a high-functioning schizophrenic is to barely function at all.

Vice

To be a high-functioning schizophrenic is to barely function at all.

Vice

The government's ministries barely function.

The New York Times

"They can barely function, they're so worried.

The New York Times

And these people, Dr. Shear added, can barely function.

The New York Times - Health

The contemporary imagination can barely function without them.

The New York Times - Arts

Government finances are in disarray and public services barely function.

The New York Times

But for much of his life, he could barely function.

The New York Times

When her ailing mother died, Ms. White could barely function.

The New York Times

Already, most insurance companies barely function as insurers.

The New York Times

Some schools have been left so denuded of staff they now barely function.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or organizations, use "barely function" to highlight critical failures or inefficiencies. For example: "The healthcare system could barely function under the increased strain."

Common error

Avoid using "barely function" when the subject still operates reasonably well. This phrase should be reserved for situations where functionality is severely impaired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely function" primarily serves as a verb phrase, indicating the limited or impaired ability of something to operate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely function" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes something operating at a minimal level of effectiveness. As indicated by Ludwig, its use is generally correct and versatile across various writing styles. Predominantly found in News & Media, as well as Formal & Business contexts, it serves to highlight critical failures or significant impairments. While it's essential to avoid overstating the degree of dysfunction, employing the phrase effectively conveys a state of near-failure, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly operate

Emphasizes minimal operation with potential complete failure.

scarcely work

Highlights the deficiency in performance or effectiveness.

struggle to perform

Focuses on the effort required despite limited capacity.

inadequately function

Highlights the insufficient performance to meet requirements.

operate at a minimum level

Describes the function occurring at its lowest acceptable threshold.

marginally effective

Implies just enough effectiveness to still be considered functional.

operate with difficulty

Focuses on the challenges faced while trying to maintain functionality.

have limited functionality

Highlights the restricted capabilities available.

be barely operational

Indicates the state of being on the verge of non-operation.

almost cease to work

Stresses nearness to complete breakdown or stoppage.

FAQs

How can I use "barely function" in a sentence?

Use "barely function" to describe something operating at a minimal level. For example: "After the storm, the traffic lights could barely function."

What can I say instead of "barely function"?

Alternatives include "hardly operate", "scarcely work", or "struggle to perform" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "barely function" or "barely functioning"?

"Barely function" is a verb phrase describing an action or state. "Barely functioning" often acts as an adjective describing a noun. For example: "The system barely functions" versus "a barely functioning system."

What's the difference between "barely function" and "completely fail"?

"Barely function" implies some minimal level of operation, while "completely fail" indicates a total cessation of operation. One is operating at the limit while the other is not operating at all.